El Crimen Perfecto

El CrÃmen Perfecto, a crazy black comedy set mostly in a Madrid department store, is fun without ever becoming truly hilarious. Rafael (Guillermo Toledo) is the manager of the women's clothing department, and he loves his job. In fact, he exists for two reasons: to make love to as many women as he can and to sell them articles of clothing.

When an accidental death occurs, Rafael is blackmailed into marriage by the store's homeliest employee, Lourdes (MÃnica Cervera). He's been such a self-smitten jerk that there's much enjoyment to be had from his comeuppance. And Lourdes' plans are so dark and focused that the character continues to surprise throughout.

Cult director Ãlex de la Iglesia's attempt at "normal" comedy does not compare well with his earlier, more outrageous larks. El Crimen Perfecto plays like AlmodÃvar lite, and its last-act absurdities try too desperately to amuse. Still, in its lighter moments, it's a worthwhile effort.